FUNDACION MENTE SANA

San Jose, San José, 11801 Costa Rica

Mission Statement

At Fundación Fundamentes, we are an agent of change committed to transforming the lives of children and adolescents in communities facing high psychosocial vulnerability. We focus on the most underserved populations, working primarily in the Greater San José Metropolitan Area and the South Caribbean region, with a special emphasis on indigenous territories and Afro-descendant communities. Through our EscuchArte Community Mental Health Model, we develop Listening Houses, safe spaces where we provide psychological support, educational workshops, and daily art therapy. Our main goal is the prevention of suicide, violence, and social exclusion, promoting psychosocial well-being and offering comprehensive support for the development of children and adolescents.

About This Cause

Fundación Fundamentes: 18 years transforming lives through community mental health Fundación Fundamentes was founded in 2006 with the mission of offering a comprehensive approach to community mental health, with a particular focus on the prevention of issues such as suicide, social violence, exclusion, and the promotion of psychosocial well-being among children and adolescents in Costa Rica. Since its inception, the organization has been committed to transforming the lives of people in psychosocial vulnerability, providing support in areas ranging from psychological care, education, and art to the creation of safe spaces for the emotional and social development of Costa Rican children and youth. Our Model: EscuchArte The distinctive model of Fundación Fundamentes, known as EscuchArte, is based on an innovative and unique methodology that integrates psychological care, education, and creativity to create positive change in the lives of at-risk children and adolescents. EscuchArte is built on three main pillars: Clinical Pillar: Provides specialized psychological care and therapeutic support, helping young people address their suffering and find non-destructive alternatives to face emotional and social difficulties. Educational Pillar: Promotes the interest and enjoyment of learning through workshops and educational programs designed to foster emotional and social skills in participants. Creative Pillar: Uses art and creativity as therapeutic tools for children and adolescents to express their emotions and reconstruct their stories through activities such as art therapy, dance, music, and other forms of creative expression. Some of our flagship projects include: Suicide Prevention Programs: Focused on identifying early warning signs, providing emotional support to youth in crisis, and offering educational prevention programs. In 2021, we received an award for improving quality of life, thanks to a 50% decrease in suicides among indigenous adolescents in Costa Rica. STEMos en Movimiento: Targeted at girls, this project connects two areas of exclusion for women: sports and STEAM fields. It aims to empower young girls through participation in these disciplines. Tecnochicas: A program aimed at girls, focusing on providing access to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields to foster their empowerment and skills in these areas. Casa de Escucha Puerto Jiménez: Located on the slopes of Corcovado National Park, this Casa de Escucha works on the prevention of drug use and trafficking, human trafficking, and violence in one of Costa Rica's most vulnerable areas. Our Commitment to the Community Our mission is supported by strong community work. We focus on families, mental health professionals, and community leaders, working hand in hand with strategic allies. Through these partnerships, we have been able to expand our reach and ensure that programs reach those who need them most, especially vulnerable populations such as migrants and indigenous communities. The future of Fundación Fundamentes is focused on expanding its reach. By 2025-2026, we aim to reach the 16 communities with the highest suicide ideation rates among children and adolescents in Costa Rica. This will help us increase the number of beneficiaries and improve the quality of our services. With the support of donors and strategic allies, we can continue to work towards ensuring a future where access to mental health is a right for Costa Rican children and adolescents. Why Donate to Fundación Fundamentes? Your donation is essential to continue our mission. Each contribution helps to: Provide sustainability to our programs: Allowing more children and adolescents to receive the necessary support every day, including psychological sessions. Provide educational and therapeutic resources: Such as art therapy materials, educational books, and training for our professionals. Create and maintain Casas de Escucha: Providing a space for those going through psychosocial vulnerability, making improvements to community-owned facilities that we aim to optimize. Develop new prevention programs: Expanding our capacity to prevent suicide, violence, and social exclusion.

FUNDACION MENTE SANA
San José, Zapote
San Jose, San José 11801
Costa Rica
Phone +506 85025396
Unique Identifier 5602898578594_bbe8